The most pressing topic of the meeting revolved around the preservation and protection of East Beach, which is facing significant challenges due to coastal erosion and climate change. The committee voted in favor of a motion to recommend that the select board draft and implement a policy for storm-deposited Cobble on East Beach Road to be pushed onto the town RightWay on a beach slot south of the road. This decision aims to maintain the protective beach Dune level, which is important for safeguarding the area against storm surges and overwash.

The discussion on this topic was thorough, with committee members presenting evidence of the harm caused by the removal of Cobble from the beach and debating the practicality of replacing it. Members supported the motion, noting the need to protect the town’s infrastructure and assist property owners affected by recent storms. Yet, concerns were raised about the amount of material to be replenished and the financial implications. After a roll call vote, an amendment was proposed to make the recommendation to the degree practicable, which narrowly passed by one vote.

Another motion discussed during the meeting was the recommendation for the select board to pursue financial resources that would allow lot owners on East Beach to sell their lots to the town, either outright or with retained life tenancy. This measure is seen as a way to manage the risks associated with property ownership in a vulnerable coastal area. The committee deliberated on the potential division of funding resources and the availability of options for property owners to sell their properties on the open market.

In addition to financial and property concerns, the committee addressed the issue of East Beach’s vulnerable electrical infrastructure. They recommended that the select board coordinate with Eversource and the Department of Conservation and Recreation to relocate the overhead electrical on East Beach Road to a less vulnerable location. The feasibility of this project was debated, with concerns about the time and resources required to negotiate with Eversource and the state.

The committee also discussed the preservation of East Beach as a coastal resource for future generations. They considered a motion that involved means such as beach nourishment and maintaining public infrastructure to protect the area from future overwash and flood damage. Some members opposed the motion, citing its conflict with previous motions and the need for more information. Others supported it, aligning with the planning board’s charge to find solutions to erosion in the area. The decision was made to table the motion until more information becomes available from a pending study.

Further discussions included the potential to bury electric and telephone lines in the Waterfront historic district during planned city maintenance of water and sewer systems. The committee considered whether it was their responsibility to make a motion for the select board to pursue this. They also recommended exploring options to protect East Beach Road from future damage, with an emphasis on evaluating the plan to raise the road and its potential secondary impacts.

The committee confirmed that the climate resilience study they are overseeing is on schedule for delivery by the end of 2024, with a summary of findings to be presented to the community in late summer. There were concerns about the clarity in defining short, medium, and long-term recommendations and the lead time for project planning and implementation.